Northumbria Law Student discusses visit to top legal firm

By Alessandra Valle – Metaxas (Northumbria Law School student)

Recently, I was invited by Northumbria University’s Law School to attend an Open Day at the Clifford Chance law firm. Upon researching Clifford Chance, who recently won Graduate Employer of the Year 2014, I realised what an amazing opportunity this was. Clifford Chance is a worldwide firm and involved in some of the most high profile cases within the business world.

We participated in several workshops with the day starting with a session on interview skills and how to really sell ourselves. We were given essential information on what Clifford Chance look for in an applicant and how to demonstrate this.

As one of the few people on the M Law Exempting course, whilst looking at a litigation case study I really felt that what I have been taught at Northumbria was very useful and put me ahead of the others there. It was useful to see how my education so far can be used in real life practice.

The most inspiring part of the day for me was the last half with Luan de Burgh. He gave us some invaluable skills on how to make an impact and really make ourselves stand out. I felt empowered and went away believing that I now have the skills and ability to be successful when applying for work.

The staff were extremely welcoming and it is it is a firm that really values everyone’s individual talent and looks for skill as opposed to a person’s background or status.

I genuinely believe this is one of the best things that I have ever attended.  I can already feel myself being more confident in my ability of selling myself and regularly find myself practising ‘power poses’! If I wasn’t sure before, I am now certain that I can see myself in an office like Clifford Chance someday very soon.